The cell phone is a new means of communication that is portable and fast. You can contact anyone at anytime. Cell phones allow people to contact family members, relatives, friends and colleagues no matter how far they may be.
Communication and information technology has gained momentum and cell phones now operate as tiny computers that include many features and options. Cell phones — in addition to saving contact numbers and sending text messages — allow users to jot down notes, appointments and reminders, receive e-mails and do countless other things.
The advantages of using cell phones are many. Their impact on people’s lives is apparent and addressing that requires a lot of thought. However, today I am hoping to address the issue of cell phone addiction — one of the most apparent negative aspects of cell phone usage that has materialized in different societies. Countries such as Australia, Korea and Spain have conducted research into this phenomenon. In a study conducted by the University of Granada, 40 youngsters said they were addicted to using cell phones and spent over four hours a day either talking or sending text messages.
Professor Torchilin, who supervised the study, found out that cell phone addiction is similar to drug addiction and alcoholism.
However, cell phone addicts do not show any apparent symptom or sign, only deep psychological symptoms. The professor also discovered that cell phone addicts feel extremely sad when people do not respond to their calls and text messages. They also tend to neglect their basic duties and feel undesired and unwanted if they are taken away from their cell phones.
These studies and others are basically reflective of the huge amount of cell phone addicts that exist in our society, especially among the youth.
We need to exert effort and undertake further studies to save this group of people before it becomes too late. These studies must be able to answer various questions regarding cell phone addiction.
Should parents continue buying their young children cell phones? If they do not, then how will parents contact them and make sure they are okay in case they are late?
There are many questions that need answering. The important thing is that we take the first step to measure the dangers of cell phones by undertaking studies in our society.
